What are the Best Digital Cameras Under $300?

Are you searching for a great digital camera for under $300? There are several camera manufacturers out there that have developed a digital camera for consumers who don't want to spend a fortune but still take high quality pictures. Truth is, It's not hard to find one within a set budget of $300. That might not seem like a lot in this field, but it can actually get you a fairly high end model.

While three hundred dollars won't buy you a top of the line professional level camera, it's more than enough to find a really good digital camera with several key functions, filters and shooting modes. I've also found that taking a few photography classes can improve level of picture quality (helps compensate for a lower budget camera). So, if you need camera under $300, then take a look at some of the options we found for you below:

Fun High Tech Cameras Under $300

Nikon CoolPix P310 - My Top Choice

More Images of the P310

What won me over about the P310 is the ability to take excellent pictures in low light conditions. I found it useful when going to an outdoor evening concert. It's not surprising that my Nikon Coolpix took much better photos than my friends with their smartphones.

The P310 also has a 16.1 megapixel camera with image stabilization and blur reduction technology. You can take full HD video (1080p) with surprising clarity. It also has a feature that lets you take continuous shots (like some DSLRs). The LCD screen on the back is in ultra high resolution, giving you the ability to see exactly how your pictures will turn out.

Video Review of the Nikon P310

For an advanced point and shoot digital camera, the P310 works well for both the professional photographer or someone just looking to take pictures irregularly (like at special events, new places or around the home).

Among the cameras under $300, the P310 menu system is one of the most user friendly and easy to navigate. The high ratings that the P310 receives on Amazon fully justifiable.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 - Incredible Value, Full HD Video & Dolby

It's hard to beat the value you get with a Panasonic Lumix digital camera. This one has the Leica lens with a 20mm wide lens and 1200mm zoom lens, making long distance photos come to life. (Note: the Lumix price went to just above $300 recently, but we still believe it is worth the price even if you have to pay just a little more).Whether your taking photos of the kids at a sports game, a tropical island beach getaway, or a wildlife safari expedition, the Lumix FZ70 is a useful gadget to have with you on any occasion.

A key feature with the Panasonic Lumix is the ability to shoot full 1080p HD video with Dolby Digital sound quality. The microphone has a windshield to help keep outside environmental noise down. Cameras with this high quality capability usually cost 3x as much. For overall value and quality, this one is well within the budget and will last for years to come.

Nikon CoolPix L810 - Great All Around Starter Camera

This Nikon CoolPix camera is as easy to use as a typical point-and-shoot camera but looks like a DSLR. Its similarities with a DSLR go beyond looks alone. The Nikon CoolPix L810 runs on AA batteries so that you can just pop fresh batteries in the camera instead of having to wait for a recharge.The L810 features a 22.5-585mm NIKKOR ED glass lens with 26x zoom. With this lens, you can expect crisp and sharp images even when taken from a distance. It also has an image stabilizer to reduce motion blur. You can also take high definition videos at 720p with this camera.

This camera features different color modes like Sepia or Black and White if you want something that looks aged and vintage. Or if you want something that pops, you can choose Vivid or Cyanotype. It also has different scene modes to match the conditions that you're in so that your images will be the best that they can be.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W300 - Great in Low-Light & Removes Blurring

The Sony W300 is an 18.2 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera that is very easy to use. The auto focus feature is very fast and can rival that of DSLR cameras. The DSC-W300's camera can also capture images at up to 10 frames per second so that you will never miss anything, even during high-speed activities like a sporting event.This product also features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode which means that you will be able to take clear photos even with shaky hands. Low-light isn't a problem as the DSC-W300 tackles blur and dark settings with the advanced CMOS sensor. And you can capture high definition videos at 1080p with this camera so you don't have to settle for still images.

There are many other great features that the DSC-W300 camera touts including several other great settings and modes to aid you in capturing brilliant images. The Smile Shutter makes sure that the camera takes the shot the moment that the subject smiles. It also has panoramic modes, Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR mode and 3D Sweep Panorama mode for dramatic shots. You can also instantly share pictures with the WiFi mode. This camera has an average rating of 4.5 stars and is a sturdy item that does everything you expect it to and more.

Canon PowerShot SX-500 - The Feel of a DSLR at Half the Price

The SX500 is 16 megapixel camera is a great model from Canon. Since it's from Canon, you can expect this camera to be of top quality. This PowerShot has the look and feel of a DSLR but isn't as complicated to use as one. It might look a bit intimidating but it is a simple camera to use. The SX500 also comes standard with a 24mm wide-angle lens which features an optical image stabilizer for clear and steady shots.

This camera has several shooting modes like Smart AUTO where the camera does most of the work for you, Low Light which, obviously, is for low light situations. It also has different filters like the Toy Camera effect, Monochrome, and several others. And if you want to shoot videos, you can capture high definition videos with this camera at 720p.

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 - Loaded with Features

The ZS20 has some really nice bells and whistles that many photographers will enjoy. The first is that it uses the Leica DC lens and has a zoom capability of 20x. One of my favorite is the built-in GPS. What this means is that when you travel (currently up to 203 countries are covered), you can expect the auto clock adjust feature to kick in along with your current location displayed. If you select the GPS function on the camera, it can automatically record the city that you are visiting on the photo or video (really useful if you are on a tour and can't remember exactly which temple or cathedral you saw in the picture upon your return home). Learn more about the technology of Geotagging photos here.

This camera also features a 20x ultra zoom lens, making video and photos super crisp and realistic, even from far away. The noise reduction feature helps to balance clarity in even low-light or adverse conditions. Need to use the Lumix ZS20 for video? No problem, it is loaded with Full HD (1080p) capability with various settings to adjust shutter speed. When you have to leave your favorite DSLR at home, this affordable point-and-shoot camera is just the answer.

Summary: There are a lot of amazing digital cameras under $300 and many of them will even leave you some extra money for accessories. These cameras are ideal for those on a budget who still want good quality pictures.